Retractable horizontal lifeline assembly

ABSTRACT

A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/463,085, filed Aug. 8, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a retractable horizontal lifelineassembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various occupations place people in precarious positions at relativelydangerous heights thereby creating a need for fall protection and fallarrest apparatus. As a result, many types of safety apparatus have beendeveloped to reduce the likelihood of a fall and/or injuries associatedwith a fall. Among other things, such apparatus typically include aninterconnection between at least one anchorage point and a safetyharness worn by a user performing tasks in proximity to the at least oneanchorage point. One type of interconnection commonly used is ahorizontal lifeline interconnected between at least two anchoragepoints, along the length of which the user may move and perform tasks.The user's safety harness is typically connected to the horizontallifeline with a lanyard or other suitable device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides for a retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly operatively connected to a first anchoragestructure and to a second anchorage structure comprising a lifeline, adrum, a brake assembly, a pinion gear, and a pawl. The lifeline has afirst end, a second end, and an intermediate portion interconnecting thefirst end and the second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. Thefirst end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and theintermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out fromthe base. The brake assembly is operatively connected to the drum andincludes a main plate with first teeth. The pinion gear has second teethin cooperation with the first teeth whereby when the main plate rotatesthe first teeth engage the second teeth to cause the pinion gear torotate. The pawl is pivotally mounted with respect to the housingproximate the pinion gear and has an engaging position and a releasingposition. The engaging position engages the second teeth to prevent thepinion gear from rotating in a first direction. The releasing positionreleases the second teeth to allow the pinion gear to rotate in thefirst direction. When the pinion gear is engaged by the pawl, the mainplate is also prevented from rotating in a second direction.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly operatively connected to a first anchoragestructure and to a second anchorage structure comprising a lifeline, adrum, and a crank. The lifeline has a first end, a second end, and anintermediate portion interconnecting the first end and the second end.The second end is operatively connected to the second anchoragestructure. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of thelifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediateportion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base.The drum is operatively connected to the first anchorage structure. Thecrank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to thedrum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. Thecrank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when thetension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank iscapable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than thepredetermined level.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly operatively connected to a first anchoragestructure and to a second anchorage structure comprising a lifeline, adrum, and a crank. The lifeline has a first end, a second end, and anintermediate portion interconnecting the first end and the second end.The second end is operatively connected to the second anchoragestructure. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of thelifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediateportion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base.The drum is operatively connected to the first anchorage structure. Thecrank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to thedrum. A torque is applied to the crank corresponding to a predeterminedlevel of tension in the lifeline. The crank is rotated to rotate thedrum and tension the lifeline and when the torque applied to the crankis reached, the lifeline has reached the predetermined level of tension.The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater thanthe predetermined level.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a method ofinstalling a retractable horizontal lifeline assembly to a firstanchorage structure and to a second anchorage structure. The retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline having a first end, asecond end, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the first endand the second end. The second end includes a second connector. A drumhas a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline isoperatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of thelifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. A housingincludes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house thedrum and the lifeline wound about the base of the drum. A crank isreleasably connectable to the drum. The method comprises connecting thefirst connector of the housing to the first anchorage structure, payingout at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum and the housing,connecting the second connector of the second end of the lifeline to thesecond anchorage structure, connecting the crank to the drum, andapplying a torque to the crank thus rotating the drum, wherein thelifeline reaches a predetermined level of tension and the crank providesindication that the predetermined level of tension has been reached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a retractable horizontal lifeline assemblyconstructed according to the principles of the present inventionconnected to anchorage structures;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the retractable horizontal lifeline assemblyshown in FIG. 1 connected to anchorage structures;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the retractable horizontal lifelineassembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the retractable horizontal lifelineassembly shown in FIG. 1 with its housing removed;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 1 with its housing removed;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a brake assembly, a locking assembly, and atension and fall indictor assembly of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the locking assembly shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a drum of the retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the drum of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 10 with a reserve of lifeline;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the drum of the retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly with the reserve of lifeline shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the drum of theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly with the reserve of lifelineshown in FIG. 12 showing a connector of the drum;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the drum of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 10 with a lifeline;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the drum of the retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly shown in FIG. 10 with a lifeline;

FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment retractable horizontallifeline assembly constructed according to the principles of the presentinvention with its housing removed;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the retractable horizontal lifeline assemblyshown in FIG. 16 with its motor spring housing removed;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 16 with its motor spring housingremoved;

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of a brake assembly operativelyconnected to a drum of the retractable horizontal lifeline assemblyshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a crank of the retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the crank shown in FIG. 21 withits handle pivoted inward;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a drum of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIGS. 18 and 19;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an anchorage connector of theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly shown in FIG. 1 operativelyconnected to a bracket; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a connector of a drum of theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly constructed according to the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a crank of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the crank shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the crank shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the crank shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is a top view of the crank shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the crank shown in FIG. 32 with a housing plateremoved;

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of a housing plate of the crank shown in FIG.28;

FIG. 35 is a cross-section view of the housing plate shown in FIG. 34taken along the lines 35-35;

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a spring, a U-shaped member,and a roller of the crank shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of a drum and a brake assemblyof the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of a locking assembly of theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly shown in FIG. 27; and

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the drum and the brake assembly shownin FIG. 37 with a reserve portion of lifeline.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Retractable horizontal lifeline assemblies constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention are designated by the numeral 100and by the numeral 300 in the drawings.

The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly 100 includes a housing 102having a first side 104 and a second side 110. The first side 104includes a first side plate 105 from which sides 108 extend, and thesecond side 110 includes a second side plate 111 from which sides 112extend. The sides 108 correspond with the sides 112, and the first side104 and the second side 110 form a cavity 113 therebetween in whichother components of the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly arehoused. The first side plate 104 includes a first aperture 106 proximatethe top of the first side plate 104 and a second aperture 107 proximatethe middle of the first side plate 104. Proximate the tops of the sides108 and 112, the sides 108 and 112 have semi-circular notches thatcooperate to form a third aperture 114. Proximate the fronts of thesides 108 and 112, the sides 108 and 112 have rectangular notches thatcooperate to form a fourth aperture 115.

The first side plate 104 also preferably includes a window 116 and atleast one indication mark proximate the window 116. The window 116 ispreferably positioned proximate the front of the housing 102. As shownin FIG. 5, a “LO” tension indicator 117 is proximate the bottom of thewindow 116, an “OK” tension indicator 118 is proximate the middle of thewindow 116, and a “HI” tension indicator 119 is proximate the top of thewindow 116. A bridge 120 extends across the window 116 proximate the“HI” tension indicator 119, and above the bridge 120 is a fall indicator121 proximate the top of the window 116 above the “HI” tension indicator119. The housing 102 is preferably made of plastic.

A first connector plate 153 and a second connector plate 167 cooperatewithin the cavity 113 of the housing 102 as a frame to which othercomponents of the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly 100 areconnected. The first connector plate 153 is preferably generallyY-shaped and includes an angled portion 162 from the top of which anupward extending portion 154 and a sideways extending portion 159extend. The upward extending portion 154 and the sideways extendingportion 159 are both preferably T-shaped, the “T” of the upwardextending portion 154 being oriented with the top in an upwardorientation and the “T” of the sideways extending portion 159 beingoriented with the top in a sideways to the left orientation relative tothe housing 102. The upward extending portion 154 includes a firstaperture 155 proximate the rear of the “T” top, a second aperture 156proximate the middle of the “T” top, and a third aperture 157 proximatethe front of the “T” top relative to the housing 102. A fourth aperture158 is located between the second aperture 156 and the third aperture157 and more proximate the top of the upward extending portion 154. Thesideways extending portion 159 includes a first aperture 160 proximatethe top of the “T” top and a second aperture 161 proximate the bottom ofthe “T” top. An aperture 163 is positioned proximate the juncture of theportions 154, 159, and 162. The angled portion 162 includes an aperture164 proximate the distal end.

The second connector plate 167 is preferably similar to and a mirrorimage of the first connector plate 153 for ease of manufacture, but itis recognized that the second connector plate 167 may be different thanthe first connector plate 153. The second connector plate 167 ispreferably generally Y-shaped and includes an angled portion 176 fromthe top of which an upward extending portion 168 and a sidewaysextending portion 173 extend. The upward extending portion 168 and thesideways extending portion 173 are both preferably T-shaped, the “T” ofthe upward extending portion 168 being oriented with the top in anupward orientation and the “T” of the sideways extending portion 173being oriented with the top in a sideways to the left orientationrelative to the housing 102. The upward extending portion 168 includes afirst aperture 169 proximate the rear of the “T” top, a second aperture170 proximate the middle of the “T” top, and a third aperture 171proximate the front of the “T” top relative to the housing 102. A fourthaperture 172 is located between the second aperture 170 and the thirdaperture 171 and more proximate the top of the upward extending portion168. The sideways extending portion 173 includes a first aperture 174proximate the top of the “T” top and a second aperture 175 proximate thebottom of the “T” top. An aperture 177 is positioned proximate thejuncture of the portions 168, 173, and 176. The angled portion 176includes an aperture 178 proximate the distal end.

A drum 143, as shown in FIGS. 10-12 and 14-15, includes a cylindricalbase 144 with a first side 147 to which a circular plate 148 isconnected and a second side 149. A shaft 150 with a bore 150 a extendsthrough the base 144 proximate the center of the base 144 and extendsoutward from the second side 149. Preferably, the shaft 150 is integralwith the drum 143 and includes a threaded end 150 b proximate the secondside 149. A lifeline 240 is wound about the base 144 and because thedrum 143 is rotatable, the lifeline 240 may be paid out from the drum143 and then wound about the base 144 of the drum 143 when it is nolonger being used. The lifeline 240 includes a first end 241, a secondend 242, and an intermediate portion 243 interconnecting the first end241 and the second end 242. The lifeline 240 is preferably up to 60 feetlong and made of wire cable, webbing, synthetic rope, or any othersuitable material. Preferably, the lifeline 240 is ¼ inch thick. Thefirst end 241 is operatively connected to the drum 143 as is well knownin the art, the intermediate portion 243 is windable about the base 144,and the second end 242 includes a loop 242 a to which a connector 257may be connected. The base 144 may include optional grooves 145, whichhelp initially guide the intermediate portion 243 about the base 144.Preferably, there are ten grooves 145 to assist in winding the first tenrevolutions of lifeline 240 about the base 144. A connector 146, whichis preferably a cable tie, may be operatively connected to the base 144proximate the first side 147. The connector 146 is configured andarranged to be operatively connected to a portion of the intermediateportion 243 a distance from the first end 241, preferably 3 to 4 feet,to create a reserve portion 244 between the connector 146 and the firstend 241. As shown in FIG. 25, the connector 146 may be a strap member265 with apertures 266 at each end, and the base 144 may include a peg151 extending outward from proximate the first side 147. The strapmember 265 is positioned so that the peg 151 is inserted through itsapertures 266 to form a loop 267 in the strap member 265. The loop 267is configured and arranged to cinch about the portion of theintermediate portion 243 thereby preventing the reserve portion 244 frombeing paid out under normal use. The lifeline 240 may be paid out fromthe base 144 up to the connector 146 and should a fall occur, thereserve portion 244 is released from the connector 146. Preferably, theconnector 146 breaks due to the force of the fall. The drum 143 ispreferably made of aluminum.

A brake assembly 180, as shown in FIG. 20, includes a back plate 181, afirst friction plate 182, a main plate 183 including a gear disk 184with teeth 185 and a gear ring 186 with teeth 187, a second frictionplate 188, a front plate 189, and a spring disk 190, which are allpreferably circular disks having central bores through which the shaft150 extending outward from the second side 149 of the drum 143 isinserted. The gear ring 186 is operatively connected, preferably withrivets or by welding, to the gear disk 184 and because it is a ringrather than a plate, it provides added thickness to the teeth 185 of thegear disk 184 without adding too much weight to the main plate 183. Theback plate 181 is placed proximate the second side 149 of the drum 143and is preferably secured thereto with a fastener such as a screw. A nut192 is operatively connected to the threaded end 150 b of the shaft 150to secure the brake assembly components to the shaft 150. The springdisk 190, the front plate 189, the second friction plate 188, the mainplate 183 (including the gear ring 186 and the gear disk 184), the firstfriction plate 182, and the back plate 181 are compressed togetherbetween the nut 192 and the drum 143, and the spring disk 190 isadjusted to a desired calibrated force by the nut 192 as is well knownin the art. The brake assembly 180 is proximate the second side 149 ofthe drum 143, and the brake assembly 180 and the drum 143 are positionedbetween the connector plates 153 and 167. Preferably, the firstconnector plate 153 is proximate the brake assembly 180 and the secondconnector plate 167 is proximate the first side 147 of the drum 143. Thebrake assembly 180 is an example of a suitable brake assembly and it isrecognized that other brake assemblies known in the art may be used.

A shaft 193 extends through aperture 163 of the first connector plate153, through the bore 150 a of the shaft 150, and through aperture 177of the second connector plate 167 to operatively connect the drum 143and the brake assembly 180 between the connector plates 153 and 167. Abushing 194 is preferably positioned between each end of the shaft 193and the corresponding connector plates 153 and 167 to reduce thefriction between the shaft 193 and the connector plates 153 and 167. Thebushing 194 may be made of plastic, brass, or any suitable material. Asecond male connector 191 is operatively connected to the shaft 193 andextends through aperture 163 in the first connector plate 153 andaperture 107 in the housing 102 and is used to wind the lifeline 240about drum 143. Preferably, the second male connector 191 is integralwith the end of the shaft 193.

A locking assembly 195, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8-9, includes a piniongear 196 with teeth 197, which cooperate and mate with the teeth 185 and187 of the main plate 183 of the brake assembly 180. The pinion gear 196is operatively connected to a shaft 198 so as the shaft 198 rotates, thepinion gear 196 rotates and vice versa. Further, as the main plate 183rotates, the pinion gear 196 rotates and vice versa. The shaft 198extends through apertures 156 and 170 of the connector plates 153 and167, respectively. A first male connector 199 is operatively connectedto an end of the shaft 198 proximate the pinion gear 196, and the firstconnector plate 153 is positioned between the pinion gear 196 and thefirst male connector 199, which extends through aperture 106 of thehousing 102 and is used to tension the lifeline 240. Preferably, thefirst male connector 199 is integral with the end of the shaft 198.

A shaft 200 is parallel to the shaft 198 and extends through apertures157 and 171 of the connector plates 153 and 167, respectively, and ispivotal therethrough. A pawl 205 has a bore (not shown) through whichthe shaft 200 is inserted, and the pawl 205 is proximate the firstconnector plate 153. The pawl 205 is preferably secured to the shaft 200with a fastener. The pawl 205 also has an extension portion 206extending outward proximate the bore, and the extension portion 206 hasan aperture 206 a proximate the bore. A torsion spring 207 is woundabout the shaft 200 and is placed between the pawl 205 and the firstconnector plate 153. A first end 208 of the torsion spring 207 isinserted through the aperture 158 of the first connector plate 153, anda second end 209 of the torsion spring 207 is inserted through theaperture 206 a of the pawl 205. The pawl 205 and the shaft 200 pivottogether within the apertures 157 and 171 and the torsion spring 207places a force upon the pawl 205 so that the extension portion 206 isurged in a downward direction to engage the teeth 197 of the pinion gear196 thereby locking the drum 143 and preventing rotation of the drum 143in a clockwise direction. The pawl 205 automatically locks the piniongear 196, allowing the pinion gear 196 to be rotated in a clockwisedirection and preventing the pinion gear 196 from being rotated in acounterclockwise direction. The pawl 205 has an engaging position and areleasing position. The engaging position sufficiently engages the teeth197 of the pinion gear 196 to prevent the pinion gear 196 from rotatingin a counterclockwise direction, and the releasing position does notsufficiently engage the teeth 197 thereby allowing the pinion gear 196to be rotated in a clockwise direction. The direction of the rotation asdescribed herein is relative to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, andit is recognized that the direction of rotation may change as theembodiment or the orientation of the embodiment changes.

The pinion gear 196 can be rotated in a clockwise direction and theteeth 197 push the pawl 205 downward away from the pinion gear 196overcoming the force of the torsion spring 207 thereby allowing thepinion gear 196 to rotate in a clockwise direction. The torsion spring207 continually places force on the pawl 205 that must be overcome torotate the pinion gear 196. The pawl 205 creates a mechanical stop ofthe pinion gear 196 when the pinion gear 196 is rotated in acounterclockwise direction. This assists in tensioning the lifeline 240because the drum can rotate in a counterclockwise direction but itcannot rotate in a clockwise direction while the pawl 205 engages thepinion gear 196.

The shaft 200 also includes a bore 201 extending axially through theshaft 200 proximate the pawl 205 through which a connector 202 extendsthrough perpendicularly from the shaft 200. A push button 203 includes anotch 204 that straddles the connector 202, and the push button 203extends through the third aperture 114 formed by the sides 104 and 110of the housing 102. Because the pawl 205 is biased by the torsion spring207, the shaft 200 is also biased by the torsion spring 207. When thepush button 203 is pressed downward, the connector 202 is pusheddownward, which rotates the shaft 200 in a counterclockwise directionthereby also rotating the pawl 205 in a counterclockwise direction,overcoming the force of the torsion spring 207, to release the teeth 197of the pinion gear 196. The push button 203 is a release mechanism maybe used to unlock the drum 143 to pay out the lifeline 240, to rewindthe lifeline 240, and to release tension in the lifeline 240. The piniongear 196 is automatically locked due to the torsion spring 207 placing aforce upon the pawl 205 thereby automatically locking the main gear 183of the brake assembly 180. The push button may be plastic, aluminum, orany other suitable material.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a crank 211 includes an arm 212 with afirst end 213 having an aperture (not shown) through which a fastener213 a extends to pivotally operatively connect a handle 214 thereto. Ahinge 214 a allows the handle 214 to be pivoted inward toward the arm212 when not in use. A pocket (not shown) may be operatively connectedto or integral with the housing 102 and the crank 211 may be placedtherein when not in use. A second end 215 of the arm 212 includes aswivel 216 between the arm 212 and a female connector 217 having areceiver 218. Fasteners 219 connect the swivel 216 and the femaleconnector 217 to the second end 215. The swivel rotates between the arm212 and the female connector 217 and is configured and arranged to beoperatively connected to a connector (not shown) such as a rope or achain interconnecting the crank 211 and the housing 102. The connectorensures that the crank 211 is not dropped or lost, and the swivel 216allows the crank 211 to function without interference from the connectorbecause as the arm 212 is rotated about either of the male connectors191 or 199, the swivel does not rotate thereby keeping the connectorfrom interfering with the rotation of the arm 212. The receiver 218 isconfigured and arranged to receive the first male connector 199operatively connected to the shaft 198 of the locking assembly 195 andthe second male connector 191 operatively connected to the shaft 193.When the crank 211 is operatively connected to the first male connector199, the lifeline 240 may be tensioned.

The pawl 205 automatically locks the pinion gear 196, allowing thepinion gear 196 to be rotated in a clockwise direction and preventingthe pinion gear 196 from being rotated in a counterclockwise direction.This allows the lifeline 240 to be tensioned incrementally as the crank211 turns the first male connector 199. The interaction between the geardisk 184 and the pinion gear 196 allows the lifeline 240 to be tensionedwith less effort due to the mechanical advantage provided by thepreferred 8.5:1 gear ratio between the main plate 183 and the piniongear 196. When the crank 211 is operatively connected to the second maleconnector 191 and the pinion gear 196 has been released from the pawl205, the lifeline 240 may be rewound about the base 144.

A tension and fall indicator assembly 221, as shown in FIG. 7, includesa cylindrical roller 224 having a first connector 225 at one end and asecond connector 226 at its opposite end. The connectors 225 and 226 arepreferably pegs extending longitudinally outward from the ends of theroller 224. The first connector 225 extends through the window 116 ofthe housing 102. A third connector 227 is a shaft that extends throughapertures 164 and 178 of the connector plates 153 and 167. A firstbiasing member 222 is preferably an extension spring that interconnectsthe first connector 225 and the third connector 227, and a secondbiasing member 223 is preferably an extension spring that interconnectsthe second connector 226 and the third connector 227. Although twobiasing members are shown and described, it is recognized that anysuitable number of biasing members may be used. Further, althoughextension springs are shown and described, it is also recognized thattorsion springs, compression springs, disk springs, elastic members, andother types of suitable biasing members may be used. The biasing members222 and 223 place a force upon the roller 224 that urges the roller 224downward toward the third connector 227.

A first shaft 230 extends through a bore 232 of a first roller 231,which is proximate the top of the aperture 115 formed by the sides 104and 110 of the housing 102. The shaft 230 and the roller 231 could alsobe integral. A second shaft 234 extends through a bore 236 of a secondroller 235, which is proximate the bottom of the aperture 115 formed bythe sides 104 and 110 of the housing 102. The shaft 234 and the roller235 could also be integral. The shafts 230 and 234 correspond withindentations in the sides 104 and 110 of the housing 102 proximate thetop and the bottom of the aperture 115 so that the shafts 230 and 234are secured therein between the sides 104 and 110. The rollers 231 and235 pivot about the shafts 230 and 234, respectively, as the lifeline240 is paid out of the housing 102 and wound back up into the housing102 to assist in preventing wear on the housing 102 and on the lifeline240.

Extending outward from the housing 102 are a first anchorage member 124and a second anchorage member 130, which provide two options foranchoring the rear of the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly 100as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first anchorage member 124 extendsoutward proximate the top and the rear of the housing 102 between thesides 104 and 110. The first anchorage member 124 is a plate-like memberforming a handle 125 proximate the top and forming an aperture 126proximate the rear. The handle 125 may be used to carry the retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly 100. Alternatively, a handle may beincorporated into the housing. A connector 252 such as a carabiner, asnap hook, or any other suitable connector may be inserted through theaperture 126 for connecting the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly100 to a connector member 251 of an anchorage structure 250. An aperture127 a is proximate the bottom and the handle 125, and an aperture 127 bis proximate the bottom and the aperture 126. The first anchorage member124 is preferably made of steel.

The second anchorage member 130, which may be an optional feature, is aU-shaped member having a base plate 131 with side plates 133 extendingoutward perpendicularly from opposing sides of the base plate 131 towardthe front of the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly 100 thusforming a U-shape. The base plate 131 includes apertures 132, preferablyone aperture 132 proximate the top of the base plate 131 and oneaperture 132 proximate the bottom of the base plate 131. Each of theside plates 133 includes apertures 134 a and 134 b, aperture 134 aproximate the top of the side plate 133 and aperture 134 b proximate thebottom of the side plate 133. A first flange 135 extends outwardperpendicularly from the base plate 131 between the apertures 132 and aside plate 133 toward the rear of the retractable horizontal lifelineassembly 100. The first flange 135 includes an aperture 136 proximatethe top of the first flange 135 and a notch 137 proximate the bottom ofthe first flange 135. A second flange 138 extends outwardperpendicularly from the base plate 131 between the apertures 132 andthe other side plate 133 toward the rear of the retractable horizontallifeline assembly 100. The second flange 138 includes an aperture 139proximate the top of the second flange 138 and a notch 140 proximate thebottom of the second flange 138. The second anchorage member 130 may beused to connect to an anchorage structure such as brackets, stanchions,I-beams, posts, and other suitable structures well known in the art. Thesecond anchorage member 130 is preferably made of steel.

An example of a suitable bracket 272 to which the second anchoragemember 130 may be attached is shown in FIG. 24. Such a bracket 272 iscommonly operatively connected to tripods, davit arms, and otherportable safety anchorage devices such as those sold by D B Industries,Inc. of Red Wing, Minn. The bracket 272 is preferably a U-shaped memberhaving a base plate 273 with side plates 275 extending outwardperpendicularly from opposing sides of the base plate 273 outward fromthe portable safety anchorage device to which it is operativelyconnected. The side plates 275 of the bracket 272 fit between theflanges 135 and 138 of the second anchorage member 130. The base plate173 includes a plurality of apertures 274 through which fasteners areinserted to operatively connect the bracket 272 to the portable safetyanchorage device. The side plates 275 include apertures (not shown)proximate the top and apertures 279 proximate the bottom. A shaft 276includes a first end 277 and a second end 278 that extend through theapertures 279.

As shown in FIG. 6, the anchorage members 124 and 130 are operativelyconnected to the connector plates 153 and 167 and extend outward throughthe housing 102 between the sides 104 and 110. A rod 269 extends throughaperture 155 of the first connector plate 153, through aperture 127 a ofthe first anchorage member 124, and through aperture 169 of the secondconnector plate 167 and each end of the rod 269 is secured withfasteners. A rod 270 extends through aperture 134 a of the side plate133, through aperture 160 of the first connector plate 153, throughaperture 127 b of the first anchorage member 124, through aperture 174of the second connector plate 167, and through aperture 134 a of theside plate 133 and each end of the rod 270 is secured with fasteners. Afastener is inserted through aperture 134 b of the side plate 133 andthrough aperture 161 of the first connector plate 153, and a fastener isinserted through aperture 134 b of the other side plate 133 and throughaperture 175 of the second connector plate 167.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 16-19, a motor spring housing 245operatively connected to the second connector plate 167′ houses a motorspring 246 having a first end 147 and a second end 248. As shown in FIG.23, a shaft 260 includes a slot 261 proximate one end, a flange 262extending outward proximate the middle, and a male connector (not shown)proximate the opposite end. The male connector (not shown) is insertedinto a bore (not shown) of the shaft 150′ of the drum 143′. The endincluding the slot 261 is inserted through an aperture (not shown) inthe second connector plate 167′. Therefore, the shaft 260 is sandwichedbetween the drum 143′ and the second connector plate 167′. The first end247 of the motor spring 246 is inserted into the slot 261 in the shaft260 and the second end 248 is operatively connected to the motor springhousing 245 such as by a fastener as is well known in the art. The motorspring may also be operatively connected to the drum and to the housingby other suitable means well known in the art. The motor spring 246places a force upon the drum thereby rotating the drum when tension isreleased from the lifeline thereby automatically winding the lifelineabout the drum. The motor spring 246 winds more tightly as the lifelineis paid out from the drum, and because the motor spring wants to unwind,when tension is released from the lifeline, the motor spring unwindsthus automatically winding the lifeline about the drum.

The lifeline 240 is preferably routed from the rear toward the front andover the top of the drum 143 and then the lifeline 240 extends downwardtoward the roller 224. The lifeline 240 is routed between the roller 224and the third connector 227 and then between rollers 231 and 235 out ofthe housing 102.

The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of the present invention isa temporary and a portable system that is easily installed, uninstalled,and transportable because it is self-contained and relatively lightweight. The lifeline is stored in the housing and the user simplycarries the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly by the handle to adesired location.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly 100operatively connected to a first anchorage structure 250 including aconnector member 251 and to a second anchorage structure 255 including aconnector member 256. A connector 252 such as a carabiner, a snap hook,a shackle, or any other suitable connector may be used to interconnectthe connector member 251 and the first anchorage member 124 through theaperture 126. Alternatively, the second anchorage member 130 may beoperatively connected to an anchorage structure such as brackets,stanchions, I-beams, posts, and other suitable structures as is wellknown in the art. To connect the second anchorage member 130 to thebracket 272, the ends 277 and 278 of the bracket's shaft 276 are slidinto the notches 137 and 140, respectively, with the base plate 273 andthe side plates 275 between the flanges 135 and 138. A pin (not shown)is inserted through the apertures 136 and 139 of the second anchoragemember 130 and the top apertures (not shown) of the bracket 272.Alternatively, apertures 132 could be used to connect other types ofbrackets operatively connected to a safety device with fasteners as iswell known in the art. The second end 242 of the lifeline 240 is thenpulled away from the housing 102 thereby paying out the lifeline 240from the drum 143 and the housing 102. A connector 257 such as acarabiner, a snap hook, or any other suitable connector may be used tointerconnect the connector member 256 and the loop 242 a of the secondend 242 of the lifeline 240.

In order to function properly and safely arrest a fall, the lifeline 240must be properly tensioned. The crank 211 is operatively connected tothe first male connector 199 by inserting the first male connector 199into the receiver 218. The handle 214 is turned thus rotating the firstmale connector 199, which in turn rotates the shaft 198 thereby rotatingthe pinion gear 196, which in turn rotates the gear disk 184 therebyrotating the drum 143 to wind the lifeline 240 more tightly about thebase 144. As shown in FIG. 6, the pinion gear 196 is rotated clockwisecausing the pawl 205 to pivot downward releasing the teeth 197 of thepinion gear 196. Because the pawl 205 is biased by the torsion spring207, the pawl 205 is biased so that it will pivot upward to engage theteeth 197 of the pinion gear 196. When rotation of the pinion gear 196stops, the pawl 205 will pivot upward to engage the teeth 197 therebylocking the mechanism and preventing additional lifeline 240 from beingpaid out.

As the lifeline 240 becomes more and more taut, the roller 224 willrise. The first connector 225 will likely start out being positionedproximate the “LO” tension indicator 117 and as the lifeline 240 istensioned, the lifeline 240 becomes more taut and raises the roller 224thus raising the first connector 225 upward relative to the window 116of the housing 102. When the first connector 225 is positioned proximatethe “OK” tension indicator 118, the lifeline 240 is properly tensionedand the crank can be removed from the first male connector 199. Should afall occur, the lifeline 240 pulls upward on the roller 224 and thefirst connector 225 extending through the window 116 moves upward withthe roller 224 and breaks the bridge 120 thereby indicating that a fallhas occurred.

To release the tension on the lifeline 240, for example when it isdesired to disconnect the second end 242 of the lifeline 240 from theanchorage structure, the push button 203 is pressed, which pivots theshaft 200 thereby pivoting the pawl 205 downward to release the teeth197 of the pinion gear 196. The crank 211 may then be operativelyconnected to the second male connector 191 by inserting the second maleconnector 191 into the receiver 218. The handle 214 is then turned thusrotating the second male connector 191, which in turn rotates the shaft150 thereby rotating the drum 143 in a counter-clockwise direction towind the lifeline 240 about the base 144. If the motor spring 246 isused, when the push button 203 is pressed, thereby unlocking the piniongear 196, the motor spring 246 will rotate the drum 143 to automaticallywind the lifeline 240 about the base 144.

Should a fall occur, the weight of the user(s) exerts force on thelifeline 240 forcing the drum 143 to rotate and pay out a few feet ofthe lifeline 240, preferably two turns of the drum 143, but because themain plate 183 of the brake assembly 180 is fixed due to the lockingassembly 195, the brake assembly 180 absorbs energy from the force ofthe fall and also limits the load on the anchorage structures. Withoutthe reserve portion 244 of the lifeline 240, when the entire availablelength of the lifeline 240 is paid out, there is no additional lifeline240 to allow the drum 143 to rotate so the brake assembly 180 would notbecome activated and the impact of the fall would seriously injure theuser. The reserve portion 244 is only released in the event of a fall,which causes the connector 146 to release the reserve portion 244, notduring normal use such as when the user pays out the lifeline 240 duringinstallation of the system.

It can be seen that the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly 300 issimilar to the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly 100, and thefollowing will be a description of components of the assembly 300 thatinclude more substantive differences from the assembly 100. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly 300 includes a housing 302 inwhich a drum 305 is positioned. As shown in FIG. 37, the drum 305includes a cylindrical base 306. Proximate a first side 310, the base306 includes a notch 307 and a laterally extending aperture 308 in thebase 306 proximate the middle of the notch 307. An extension portion 311is positioned proximate the first side 310 of the base 306 and includesa laterally extending aperture 312 in alignment with the aperture 308.An end of a connector 309, which is preferably a rod, is configured andarranged to fit within the aperture 308 and the other end of theconnector 309 is configured and arranged to fit within the aperture 312so that a middle portion of the connector 309 spans the notch 307. Theside of the extension portion 311 opposite the base 306 includes achannel 313 configured and arranged to receive an end portion of thelifeline 540. The channel 313 does not extend entirely around the sideof the extension portion 311. One end of the channel 313 includes anotch 313 a and the other end of the channel 313 terminates proximate anopening 31 la in the extension portion 311. The opening 311 a is betweenthe notch 313 a and the other end of the channel 313. A swaged cablestop (not shown) is operatively connected to the end of the lifeline 540and inserted into the notch 313 a proximate an end of the channel 313.The lifeline 540 is routed through the channel 313 and extends outwardthrough the opening 311 a so that a portion of the lifeline 540 can bewound around the extension portion 311 to create a reserve portion 541of the lifeline 540. The reserve portion 541 is proximate the portion ofthe lifeline 540 that extends outward through the opening 311 a, woundabout the extension portion 311, and threaded underneath the connector309 and through the notch 307. During normal use, the connector 309 actsas a stop preventing the reserve portion 541 from being paid out.However, should a fall occur, the connector 309 breaks thus allowing thereserve portion 541 to be paid out, which assists in reducing the forcesfrom the fall transferred to the user. The portion of the lifeline 540within the channel 313 is used to connect the end of the lifeline 540 tothe extension portion 311 of the drum 305 and does not get paid out fromthe drum 305, even when the reserve portion 541 is paid out.

A circular plate 314 is positioned proximate the extension portion 311thus sandwiching the extension portion 311 between the base 306 and theplate 314. The circular plate 314, the extension portion 311, and thebase 306 include corresponding apertures through which fasteners,preferably screws, extend to secure these components together proximatethe first side 310. The circular plate 314 assists in securing the endof the lifeline 540 within the channel 313. A circular plate 317 isplaced proximate a second side 316 and includes a hub 318 extendingoutward from the side opposite the base 306. The circular plate 317 andthe base 306 include corresponding apertures through which fasteners,preferably screws, extend to secure these components together proximatethe second side 316.

A brake assembly 320, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 39, is operativelyconnected to the plate 317 and the hub 318 extends through the brakeassembly 320. The brake assembly 320 includes a flange 321, a gear disk322 with teeth 323, a pressure plate 324, a spring disk 325, a spacer326, and a nut 327 securing the brake assembly 320 to the hub 318. Thegear disk 322 includes a first friction plate 322 a operativelyconnected to a first side and a second friction plate 322 b operativelyconnected to a second side. The spacer 326, the spring disk 325, thepressure plate 324, the gear disk 322 (including the teeth 323), and theflange 321 are compressed together between the nut 327 and the plate317. The spring disk 325 is adjusted to a desired calibrated force bythe nut 327 as is well known in the art. The spacer 326 assists inproviding even pressure on the spring disk 325 by the nut 327. The brakeassembly 320 is an example of a suitable brake assembly and it isrecognized that other brake assemblies known in the art may be used. Thehub 318 includes a bore through which a shaft 329 extends. A second maleconnector 330 is operatively connected to the shaft 329, and the secondmale connector 330 extends outward from the housing 302.

A locking assembly 332, as shown in FIG. 38, includes a pinion gear 333with teeth 334, which cooperate and mate with the teeth 323 of the geardisk 322 of the brake assembly 320. The pinion gear 333 is operativelyconnected to a shaft 335 so as the shaft 335 rotates, the pinion gear333 rotates and vice versa. Preferably, the pinion gear 333 is integralwith the end of the shaft 335. Further, as the gear disk 322 rotates,the pinion gear 333 rotates and vice versa. One end of the shaft 335extends through the first connector plate 354 and the other end of theshaft 335 extends through the second connector plate 358 and is pivotaltherethrough. A first male connector 337 is operatively connected to anend of the shaft 335 proximate the pinion gear 333, and the first maleconnector 337, which extends outward from the housing 302, is used totension the lifeline 540. Preferably, the first male connector 337 isintegral with the end of the shaft 335.

A shaft 338 is parallel to the shaft 335 and extends through the firstand second connector plates 354 and 358 and is pivotal therethrough. Apawl 344 has a bore 343 through which the shaft 338 is inserted, and thepawl 344 is proximate the pinion gear 333. The pawl 344 is preferablysecured to the shaft 338 with a fastener 339 a, which extends through abore (not shown) of the pawl 344 corresponding with a bore 338 a of theshaft 338. Preferably, the fastener 339 a is a pin that is friction-fitthrough the bores. The pawl 344 also has an extension portion 344 aextending outward proximate the bore 343, and the extension portion 344a has an aperture 345 proximate the bore 343. A first torsion spring 346is wound about the shaft 338 and is placed between the pawl 344 and thefirst connector plate 354. A first end 347 of the torsion spring 346 isinserted through the aperture 345 of the pawl 344, and a second end 348of the torsion spring 346 is inserted through the aperture 355 of thefirst connector plate 354. A second torsion spring 349 is wound aboutthe shaft 338 and is place proximate the second connector plate 358. Afirst end 350 of the torsion spring 349 is held in position along theshaft 338 by a fastener 339 b extending axially through the shaft 338,and a second end 351 of the torsion spring 349 is inserted through theaperture 359 of the second connector plate 354. The pawl 344 and theshaft 338 pivot together within apertures of the first and secondconnector plates 354 and 358 and the torsion springs 346 and 349 place aforce upon the pawl 344 and the shaft 338 so that the extension portion344 a is urged in an upward direction to engage the teeth 334 of thepinion gear 333 thereby locking the drum 305 and preventing rotation ofthe drum 305 in a clockwise direction. The pawl 344 automatically locksthe pinion gear 333, allowing the pinion gear 333 to be rotated in aclockwise direction and preventing the pinion gear 333 from beingrotated in a counterclockwise direction. The pawl 344 has an engagingposition and a releasing position. The engaging position sufficientlyengages the teeth 334 of the pinion gear 333 to prevent the pinion gear333 from rotating in a counterclockwise direction, and the releasingposition does not sufficiently engage the teeth 334 thereby allowing thepinion gear 333 to be rotated in a clockwise direction. The direction ofthe rotation as described herein is relative to the embodiment as shownin FIG. 27, and it is recognized that the direction of rotation maychange as the embodiment or the orientation of the embodiment changes.

The pinion gear 333 can be rotated in a clockwise direction and theteeth 334 push the pawl 344 downward away from the pinion gear 333overcoming the force of the torsion springs 346 and 349 thereby allowingthe pinion gear 333 to rotate in a clockwise direction. The torsionsprings 346 and 349 continually places force on the pawl 344 and theshaft 338 that must be overcome to rotate the pinion gear 333. The pawl344 creates a mechanical stop of the pinion gear 333 when the piniongear 333 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. This assists intensioning the lifeline 540 because the drum can rotate in acounterclockwise direction but it cannot rotate in a clockwise directionwhile the pawl 344 engages the pinion gear 333.

The shaft 338 also includes a connector 340 extending outwardperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 338 toward the shaft335. A push button 341 includes a notch (not shown) that straddles theconnector 340, and the push button 341 extends through the top of thehousing 302. A spring 342 biases the push button 341 away from theconnector 340. When the push button 341 is pressed downward, theconnector 340 is pushed downward, which overcomes the forces of thetorsion springs 346 and 349 and rotates the shaft 338 in acounterclockwise direction thereby also rotating the pawl 344 in acounterclockwise direction to release the teeth 334 of the pinion gear333. The push button 341 is a release mechanism that may be used tounlock the drum 305 to pay out the lifeline 540, to rewind the lifeline540, and to release tension in the lifeline 540. The pinion gear 333 isautomatically locked due to the torsion springs 346 and 349 placingforces upon the pawl 344 and the shaft 338 thereby automatically lockingthe gear disk 322 of the brake assembly 320.

As shown in FIG. 27, an exit assembly 365 includes a friction pad 366,which is preferably generally funnel-shaped, with a cylindrical portion367 and a flanged portion 368. The cylindrical portion 367 is configuredand arranged to extend through an aperture 304 in the housing 302 andincludes an opening 367 a through which the lifeline 540 extends. Theflanged portion 368 is proximate the inner surface of the housing 302and reduces the friction and thus the wear on the lifeline 540 as thelifeline 540 is paid out from and rewound into the housing 302. AU-shaped bracket 371 includes sides 374 extending outward from opposingsides. An opening 372 in the bracket 371 is configured and arranged toreceive the cylindrical portion 367. Apertures 369 in the flangedportion 368 correspond with apertures 373 in the bracket 371 andfasteners 376 extend therethrough to secure the friction pad 366 to thebracket 371. The sides 374 include apertures 375 through which fasteners377 are used to secure the bracket 371 to the connector plates 354 and358.

The drum 305, the brake assembly 320, the locking assembly 332, and theanchorage member 363 are operatively connected to the brackets 354 and358 and housed between sides 302 a and 302 b as similarly described withrespect to the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly 100. The dashedlines in FIG. 27 show how these components are connected. Although notshown in this embodiment, another anchorage member similar to the secondanchorage member 130 of assembly 100 could be added as an optionalfeature.

The assembly 300 does not include a tension and fall indicator assemblylike the tension and fall indicator assembly 221 of assembly 100.Rather, a crank 400 is used to tension the lifeline 540. The crank 400includes an arm 401 with a first end 402, an intermediate portion 412,and a second end 416. The first end 402 preferably has rounded edges andincludes an aperture 403 into which a rod 404 is placed and secured tothe first end 402. The rod 404 is preferably welded to the first end402. A handle 405 includes a bore 406 extending longitudinallytherethrough. The rod 404 is inserted through the bore 406 of the handle405 and the diameter of the bore 406 is large enough so that the handle405 can rotate about the rod 404. The distal end 407 of the rod 404 issecured with a retaining ring 408, which allows the handle 405 to rotateabout the rod 404 but prevents the handle 405 from coming off of the rod404.

The intermediate portion 412 includes an aperture 413 proximate thefirst end 402. The aperture 413 is preferably key-hole shaped with thenarrow portion proximate the first end 402 and is used to connect thecrank 400 to the housing 302 of the assembly 300 when the crank 400 isnot in use. The intermediate portion 412 also includes an aperture 414proximate the aperture 413 and a middle portion of the arm 401.

The second end 416 includes a first tapered surface 417, a secondtapered surface 418, and a third tapered surface 419. The first taperedsurface 417 is preferably angled inward proximate the aperture 414 atapproximately two to ten degrees, most preferably four to six degrees,relative to the side of the arm 401 from which it is angled inward. Thesecond tapered surface 418 is preferably angled inward proximate thefirst tapered surface 417 to the second end 416 at approximately thirtyto sixty degrees, most preferably forty-four to forty-six degrees,relative to the side of the arm 401 from which the first tapered surface417 is angled inward. The third tapered surface 419 is preferably angledproximate the second tapered surface 418 to the opposing side of the arm401 at approximately seventy to eighty-five degrees, most preferablyseventy-nine to eighty-one degrees, relative to the side of the arm 401from which the first tapered surface 417 is angled inward. It isrecognized that these angles may vary. For example, the first taperedsurface 417 does not need to be tapered at all as long as the arm 401 isable to be pivoted so that at least a portion of the surface is able tocontact the first side 452 A housing 421 includes a first plate 422 anda second plate 432 that cooperate to house some components of the crank400. Inner surfaces of the first and second plates 422 and 432 includecavities 423 and 433 in which the components are housed. The first plate422 is generally rectangular and includes a first end 429, which hasrounded edges, and a second end 430. The cavity 423 includes a firstportion 424 and a second portion 425. The first portion 424 is proximatethe first end 429 that is generally rectangular and extends to proximatea middle portion of the first plate 422. The second portion 425 is alsogenerally rectangular and is shallower than the first portion 424. Thesecond portion 425 intersects a portion of the first portion 424proximate the middle portion of the first plate 422 and extends to thesecond end 430. Bores 426 extend laterally through the first end 429 ofthe first plate 422. Preferably, two bores 426 are positioned on eachside of the first portion 424, one proximate the end of the firstportion 424 proximate the first end 429 and one proximate the junctureof the first portion 424 and the second portion 425. Bores 427 extendlaterally through the second end 430. Preferably, one bore 427 ispositioned proximate the second end 430 on each side of the secondportion 425. The bores 427 are preferably threaded. An aperture 428 ispositioned within the second portion 425 between the bores 427.

The second plate 432 is preferably similar to the first plate 422 and isshown in FIGS. 34 and 35. The second plate 432 includes a first end 439,which has rounded edges, and a second end 440. The cavity 433 includes afirst portion 434 and a second portion 435. The first portion 434 isproximate the first end 439 that is generally rectangular and extends toproximate a middle portion of the first plate 432. The second portion435 is also generally rectangular and is shallower than the firstportion 434. The second portion 435 intersects a portion of the firstportion 434 proximate the middle portion of the first plate 432 andextends to the second end 440. Bores 436 extend laterally through thefirst end 439 of the first plate 432. Preferably, two bores 436 arepositioned on each side of the first portion 434, one proximate the endof the first portion 434 proximate the first end 439 and one proximatethe juncture of the first portion 434 and the second portion 435. Bores437 extend laterally through the second end 440. Preferably, one bore437 is positioned proximate the second end 440 on each side of thesecond portion 435. An aperture 438 is positioned within the secondportion 435 between the bores 437. The bores 436 and 437 are preferablycountersunk to accommodate the heads of the fasteners 442 and 443,respectively.

A connector portion 455 includes a base 456 with a raised portion 457extending outward therefrom. The base 456 and the raised portion 457 aregenerally cylindrical in shape and the raised portion 457 is smaller indiameter thereby forming a ledge 458 proximate the juncture of the base456 and the raised portion 457. A ring member 448 includes an opening449 and a flange 450 with an aperture 451 extending outward therefrom.The raised portion 457 fits within the opening 449 in the ring member448 so that the ring member 448 is proximate the ledge 458 and theflange 450 extends outward from the connector portion 455. The connectorportion 455 also includes a bore 459 extending laterally throughproximate the center of the connector portion 455. The bore 459 ispreferably square-shaped to correspond with the shape of the first maleconnector 337 and the second male connector 330. A bore 460 ispreferably proximate each corner of the bore 459. The bores 460 arepreferably threaded.

A U-shaped member 470 includes a top 471 with a first side 472 and asecond side 474 extending outward from opposing sides of the top 471parallel to one another. The first side 472 includes a notch 473proximate the end opposite the top 471, and the second side 474 includesa notch 475 proximate the end opposite the top 471. A roller 464includes a cylindrical portion 465 with side surfaces 466 a and 466 band a rolling surface 467. A protrusion 468 a extends outward proximatethe center of the side surface 466 a and a protrusion 468 b extendsoutward proximate the center of the side surface 466 b. The protrusion468 a fits within the notch 473 and the protrusion 468 b fits within thenotch 475 and the roller 464 is rotatable within the notches 473 and475. As shown in FIG. 33, the U-shaped member, the roller 464, and aspring 478 are configured and arranged to fit within the first portions424 and 434 of the housing 421.

To assemble the crank 400, the protrusions 468 a and 468 b of the roller464 are placed within the notches 473 and 475 of the U-shaped member 470and the spring 478 is placed proximate the top 471 with the roller 464positioned opposite the spring 478. The second end 480 of the spring 478contacts the top 471 of the U-shaped member 470. The spring 478, theU-shaped member 470, and the roller 464 are positioned within the firstportion 424 of the first plate 422 with the first end 479 of the spring478 proximate the first end 429 and the roller 464 proximate the secondportion 425. The second end 416 and a portion of the intermediateportion 412 of the arm 401 are placed within the second portion 425 sothat the second tapered surface 418 contacts the rolling surface 467 ofthe roller 464. The second plate 432 is then positioned so that itscorresponding cavity 433, bores 436 and 437, and aperture the 438 are inalignment with the cavity 423, the bores 436 and 437, and the aperture438 of the first plate 422. A pin 444 is inserted through the bore 438,the aperture 414, and the bore 428 to pivotally connect the arm 401 tothe housing 421. The arm 401 may pivot about the pin 444 within thesecond portions 425 and 435. The first tapered surface 417 allows thearm 401 to pivot about the pin 444.

The raised portion 457 of the connector portion 455 is placed within theopening 449 of the ring member 448, and then the raised portion 457 isplaced proximate the first plate 422 so that the bores 460 are inalignment with the bores 426. Fasteners 442, which are preferablyscrews, are inserted through the bores 436 and 426 and threaded into thebore 460 to secure the first and second plates 422 and 432 of thehousing 421 and the connector portion 455 to the housing 421. Thus, thefirst and second plates 422 and 432 are sandwiched between the connectorportion 455 engaged by the fasteners 442 and the heads of the fasteners442. Fasteners 443, which are preferably screws, are threaded throughthe bore 437 and threaded into the bore 427 to secure the first andsecond plates 422 and 432 of the housing 421. Thus, the second plate 432is sandwiched between the first plate 422 engaged by the fasteners 443and the heads of the fasteners 443.

The rod 404 is inserted through the bore 406 of the handle 405 and thediameter of the bore 406 is large enough so that the handle 405 canrotate about the rod 404. The distal end 407 of the rod 404 is securedwith a retaining ring 408, which allows the handle 405 to rotate aboutthe rod 404 but prevents the handle 405 from coming off of the rod 404.

Although assembling the crank 400 is described with respect to the firstplate 422, it is recognized that the second plate 432 may also be used.It is also recognized that the order of assembly is not crucial and maybe changed.

An end of a chain (not shown) may be operatively connected to theaperture 451 of the ring member 448 and the other end of the chain maybe operatively connected to the housing 302 to assist in preventing thecrank 400 from being misplaced or lost. When the crank 400 is not beingused, it may be placed in a storage position by inserting amushroom-shaped peg 362 extending outward from the housing 302 throughthe aperture 413. A sloped surface 303 proximate the top of the housing302 above the peg 362 accommodates the handle 405 so it does not extendoutward from the housing 302 as shown in FIG. 26.

The crank 400 may be connected to either the first male connector 337 orthe second male connector 330 of the assembly 300 by inserting the firstmale connector 337 or the second male connector 330 into the bore 459,which is configured and arranged to receive the first male connector 337and the second male connector 330. Although the first male connector337, the second male connector 330, and the bore 459 are shown anddescribed as being square-shaped, it is recognized that any suitableshapes, preferably corresponding shapes, may be used as long as thecrank 400 can be used to rotate the first male connector 337 and thesecond male connector 330.

After the assembly 300 has been properly secured to anchoragestructures, the lifeline 540 must be properly tensioned in order tofunction properly and safely arrest a fall. The crank 400 is operativelyconnected to the first male connector 337 by inserting the first maleconnector 337 into the bore 459. The handle 405 is turned thus rotatingthe first male connector 337, which in turn rotates the shaft 335thereby rotating the pinion gear 333, which in turn rotates the geardisk 322 thereby rotating the drum 305 to wind the lifeline 540 moretightly about the base 306. The pinion gear 333 is rotated clockwisecausing the pawl 344 to pivot downward releasing the teeth 334 of thepinion gear 333. Because the pawl 344 and the shaft 338 are biased bythe torsion springs 346 and 349, the pawl 344 is biased so that it willpivot upward to engage the teeth 334 of the pinion gear 333. Whenrotation of the pinion gear 333 stops, the pawl 344 will pivot upward toengage the teeth 334 thereby locking the mechanism and preventingadditional lifeline 540 from being paid out.

The pawl 344 automatically locks the pinion gear 333, allowing thepinion gear 333 to be rotated in a clockwise direction and preventingthe pinion gear 333 from being rotated in a counterclockwise direction.This allows the lifeline 540 to be tensioned incrementally as the crank400 turns the first male connector 337. The interaction between the geardisk 322 and the pinion gear 333 allows the lifeline 540 to be tensionedwith less effort due to the mechanical advantage provided by thepreferred 8.5:1 gear ratio between the gear disk 322 and the pinion gear333. When the crank 400 is operatively connected to the second maleconnector 330 and the pinion gear 333 has been released from the pawl344, the lifeline 540 may be rewound about the base 306.

To tension the lifeline 540, the crank 400 is connected to the firstmale connector 337 and the handle 405 is rotated to rotate the arm 401in a clockwise direction thus rotating the first male connector 337 in aclockwise direction. The rotation of the first male connector 337rotates the pinion gear 333, which rotates the gear disk 322, whichrotates the drum 305 to wind the lifeline 540 more tightly about thebase 306. With regard to the crank 400, initially the spring 478 biasesthe U-shaped member 470 and the roller 464 toward the second portions425 and 435 thus positioning the roller 464 to contact the secondtapered surface 418 and positioning the third tapered surface 419proximate the second side 453 of the housing 421. The arm 401 may bepivoted about the pin 444 so that the first tapered surface 418 contactsthe first side 452 and the side of the arm proximate the third taperedsurface 419 contacts the second side 453. As the tension in the lifelineis increased, it becomes more difficult to rotate the crank 400 andincreased torque is required to turn the crank 400 to further increasethe tension in the lifeline. As the torque applied to the arm 401 isincreased, the force of the spring 478 is overcome and as the spring 478compresses and becomes more tightly coiled, the arm 401 begins to pivotabout the pin 444 toward the first side 452 of the housing, which movesthe roller 464 along the second tapered surface 418 toward the thirdtapered surface 419. The force of the spring 478 may initially only bepartially overcome. When the lifeline has reached the desired tension,sufficient torque is required to overcome the force of the spring 478,thus sufficiently compressing the spring 478 so that the roller 464reaches the third tapered surface 419 thus allowing the arm 401 tofurther pivot and the first tapered surface 417 contacts the first side452 of the housing 421. When the first tapered surface 417 contacts thefirst side 452 of the housing 421, a “click” provides indication thatthe desired tension in the lifeline has been reached. The “click”includes a jerking motion of the arm 401 as it transitions from thesecond tapered surface 418 to the third tapered surface 419 and may eveninclude an audible clicking sound as the first tapered surface 417contacts the first side 452 of the housing 421. The arm 401 pivots farenough to be discernable to the touch or make an audible “click” soundwhen at least a portion of the first tapered surface contacts the firstside 452.

More specifically, FIG. 33 shows the crank 400 in a position with noforce (torque) applied to the arm 401. In this position, the arm 401 isproximate the second side 453. The spring 478, which is pre-tensioned,exerts force on the roller 464 to contact the second tapered surface 418thus positioning the arm 401 proximate the second side 453. When theforce of the spring 478 is overcome, the spring 478 is coiled tighterand the roller 464, originally in contact with the second taperedsurface 418, moves to become in contact with the third tapered surface419. When the roller 464 moves from the second tapered surface 418 tothe third tapered surface 419, the arm 401 rotates until the firsttapered surface 417 contacts the first side 452. When force (torque) isreleased from the arm 401, the spring 478 uncoils and urges the roller464 to move from the third tapered surface 419 to contact the secondtapered surface 418 thus pivoting the arm 401 proximate the second side453. The tapered surfaces 417, 418, and 419 in combination with thespring 478 urge the arm 401 back into the position with no force(torque). The “click” occurs when the roller 464 moves from the secondtapered surface 418 to the third tapered surface 419 and the firsttapered surface 417 contacts the first side 452. The crank 400 may stillbe turned to further tension the lifeline. The first “click” merelyindicates the minimal desired amount of tension in the lifeline has beenreached, but the lifeline may be further tensioned to a greater amountand additional “clicks” may occur.

The force the spring 478 exerts upon the U-shaped member 470 and theroller 464 and the torque applied to the arm 401 required to overcomethe force of the spring 478 is preferably preset to correspond with thedesired tension in the lifeline. Therefore, when the “click” isdetected, the desired tension in the lifeline has been reached. Althoughit is recognized that different types of lifelines may require differenttensions to function properly, for a galvanized cable lifeline having adiameter of ¼ inch and a length of sixty feet, a suitable tension wouldbe 350 pounds and the amount of torque applied to the arm 401 sufficientto tension the lifeline to 350 pounds would be 150 pounds per inch.These values are only examples as it is recognized that these values mayvary with different tolerances such as the tension in the spring 478.Further, the amount of tension in the lifeline may vary depending uponwhat type of lifeline is used and the preferred tension in the lifeline.It is recognized that the more tension there is in the lifeline the lessfall distance there will be. Other factors such as the length of thelifeline, the inclusion of an energy absorber in the system, the allowedclearance should a fall occur, and the desired arrest distance should afall occur may affect the tension and the torque values. Given thepossible variations, there could be wide ranges of acceptable values.

Pretension has a great effect on horizontal lifelines which do notincorporate separate energy absorbers. For these systems, a balance mustbe reached between maximum allowed horizontal lifeline tension and thevertical clearances required when using the system. The wire ropetensile strength (which is related to its construction, material anddiameter) may limit the maximum allowed horizontal lifeline tension.Alternatively, the maximum allowed horizontal lifeline tension may belimited by the end anchorage strengths or any of the in-line components.The pretension for horizontal lifelines that incorporate energyabsorbers (with sufficient extension) should be high to minimize therequired clearance (the retractable horizontal lifeline of the presentinvention fits into this category). The pretension must be limited sothe end anchorage, energy absorbers, or other in-line components are notactivated or otherwise deformed in the absence of a fall. In addition,the pretension must be achieved without straining the installer. Theenergy absorber deploying force must be suitable for the end anchoragesand in-line components. Many factors come into play in determining thepretension of a horizontal lifeline of which wire diameter is only oneconsideration.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly operatively connected to afirst anchorage structure and to a second anchorage structure,comprising: a) a lifeline having a first end, a second end, and anintermediate portion interconnecting the first end and the second end;b) a drum having a base and being rotatable, the first end of thelifeline being operatively connected to the drum and the intermediateportion of the lifeline being windable about and paid out from the base;c) a brake assembly operatively connected to the drum including a mainplate having first teeth; d) a pinion gear having second teeth incooperation with the first teeth whereby when the main plate rotates thefirst teeth engage the second teeth to cause the pinion gear to rotate;and e) a pawl pivotally mounted with respect to the housing proximatethe pinion gear and having an engaging position and a releasingposition, the engaging position engaging the second teeth preventing thepinion gear from rotating in a first direction, the releasing positionreleasing the second teeth allowing the pinion gear to rotate in thefirst direction, wherein when the pinion gear is engaged by the pawl,the main plate is also prevented from rotating in a second direction. 2.The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising: a) a spring operatively connected to the pawl, the springplacing a force upon the pawl to bias the pawl in the engaging position;and b) a release mechanism operatively connected to the pawl, therelease mechanism overcoming the force of the spring to place the pawlin the releasing position.
 3. The retractable horizontal lifelineassembly of claim 1, wherein the lifeline is selected from the groupconsisting of wire cable, webbing, and synthetic rope.
 4. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 1, wherein the baseincludes a connector operatively connected to a portion of theintermediate portion of the lifeline a distance from the first end tocreate a reserve portion of lifeline between the connector and the firstend, wherein the lifeline may be paid out from the base up to theconnector and should a fall occur, the reserve portion is released fromthe connector.
 5. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim1, wherein the pinion gear is rotatable to tension the lifeline withreduced effort.
 6. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim1, further comprising a crank releasably operatively connectable to thepinion gear to rotate the pinion gear to tension the lifeline withreduced effort.
 7. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim6, wherein the crank includes a tension indicator indicating when thetension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.
 8. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 6, wherein the crankis releasably operatively connectable to the drum to rotate the drum torewind the lifeline about the base of the drum.
 9. The retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housingincluding a first connector and being configured and arranged to housethe drum and the lifeline wound about the base of the drum, the drumbeing rotatably mounted within the housing, the second end of thelifeline including a second connector, the first connector beingconfigured and arranged to be releasably connected to the firstanchorage structure and the second connector being configured andarranged to be releasably connected to the second anchorage structure.10. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 9, wherein thehousing is configured and arranged to house the brake assembly, thepinion gear, and the pawl.
 11. The retractable horizontal lifelineassembly of claim 1, further comprising a motor spring operativelyconnected to the drum and placing a force upon the drum, the motorspring automatically winding the lifeline about the drum when tension isreleased from the lifeline.
 12. A retractable horizontal lifelineassembly operatively connected to a first anchorage structure and to asecond anchorage structure, comprising: a) a lifeline having a firstend, a second end, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the firstend and the second end, the second end being operatively connected tothe second anchorage structure; b) a drum having a base and beingrotatable, the first end of the lifeline being operatively connected tothe drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline being windableabout and paid out from the base, the drum being operatively connectedto the first anchorage structure; and c) a crank configured and arrangedto be releasably connectable to the drum, the crank being rotatable torotate the drum and tension the lifeline, the crank including a tensionindicator providing indication when the tension in the lifeline hasreached a predetermined level, the crank being capable of tensioning thelifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.
 13. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 12, wherein the crankfurther comprises: a) an arm including a first surface, a secondsurface, and a third surface, the second surface interconnecting thefirst surface and the third surface, the arm being pivotable proximatethe first surface, the first surface allowing the arm to pivot; b) aroller configured and arranged to move along the second surface and thethird surface; and c) a biasing member operatively connected to theroller, the biasing member exerting force upon the roller and urging theroller toward the first surface, wherein torque on the arm duringrotation of the crank to tension the lifeline places force on thebiasing member and when the predetermined level of tension in thelifeline is reached, the force of the biasing member is overcome thusallowing the arm to pivot causing the roller to move toward the thirdsurface and reach the third surface thereby indicating that thepredetermined level of tension in the lifeline has been reached.
 14. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 13, wherein when theroller reaches the third surface the arm pivots at least four degrees.15. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 14, whereinthe biasing member urges the roller toward the first surface after thepredetermined level of tension in the lifeline has been reached andtorque on the arm has been reduced.
 16. The retractable horizontallifeline assembly of claim 13, wherein the first surface is tapered twoto ten degrees relative to the arm, the second surface is tapered thirtyto sixty degrees relative to the arm, and the third surface is taperedseventy to eighty-five degrees relative to the arm.
 17. The retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly of claim 12, further comprising a housingin which the drum and the lifeline wound about the drum are housed and amotor spring interconnecting the housing and the drum and placing aforce upon the drum to automatically wind the lifeline about the base ofthe drum when tension is released on the lifeline.
 18. The retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly of claim 12, further comprising a brakeassembly and a locking assembly, the brake assembly being operativelyconnected to the drum, the brake assembly including a gear disk withfirst teeth, the locking assembly including a pinion gear and a pawl,the pinion gear having second teeth in cooperation with the first teethwhereby when the gear disk rotates the first teeth engage the secondteeth to cause the pinion gear to rotate, the pawl being pivotallymounted with respect to the housing proximate the pinion gear and havingan engaging position and a releasing position, the engaging positionengaging the second teeth preventing the pinion gear from rotating in afirst direction, the releasing position releasing the second teethallowing the pinion gear to rotate in the first direction, wherein whenthe pinion gear is engaged by the pawl, the gear disk is also preventedfrom rotating in a second corresponding direction.
 19. The retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking assemblyhas a push button operatively connected to the pawl, wherein pressingthe push button releases the pawl from the pinion gear thereby unlockingthe pinion gear and the brake assembly.
 20. The retractable horizontallifeline assembly of claim 18, wherein a first mating connector isoperatively connected to the pinion gear and is accessible through anaperture in a housing in which the drum and the lifeline wound about thedrum are housed, wherein the crank is releasably connectable to thefirst mating connector and wherein turning the first mating connectorwith the crank turns the pinion gear to tension the lifeline.
 21. Aretractable horizontal lifeline assembly operatively connected to afirst anchorage structure and to a second anchorage structure,comprising: a) a lifeline having a first end, a second end, and anintermediate portion interconnecting the first end and the second end,the second end being operatively connected to the second anchoragestructure; b) a drum having a base and being rotatable, the first end ofthe lifeline being operatively connected to the drum and theintermediate portion of the lifeline being windable about and paid outfrom the base, the drum being operatively connected to the firstanchorage structure; c) a crank configured and arranged to be releasablyconnectable to the drum; and d) a torque applied to the crankcorresponding to a predetermined level of tension in the lifeline,wherein the crank is rotated to rotate the drum and tension thelifeline, and wherein the torque applied to the crank is reached, thelifeline has reached the predetermined level of tension, the crank beingcapable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than thepredetermined level.
 22. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the crank includes a tension indicator providingindication when the tension in the lifeline has reached thepredetermined level, the crank being capable of tensioning the lifelineto a level greater than the predetermined level.
 23. The retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly of claim 21, wherein the crank includes anarm, a roller member, and a biasing member, the arm includes a firstsurface, a second surface, and a third surface, the second surfaceinterconnecting the first surface and the third surface, the arm beingpivotable proximate the first surface, the first surface allowing thearm to pivot, the roller is configured and arranged to move along thesecond surface and the third surface, and the biasing member isoperatively connected to the roller, the biasing member exerting forceupon the roller and urging the roller toward the first surface, whereinthe torque applied to the arm during rotation of the crank to tensionthe lifeline places force on the biasing member and when thepredetermined level of tension in the lifeline is reached, the force ofthe biasing member is overcome thus allowing the arm to pivot causingthe roller to move toward the third surface and reach the third surfacethereby indicating that the predetermined level of tension in thelifeline has been reached.
 24. The retractable horizontal lifelineassembly of claim 23, wherein the first surface is tapered two to tendegrees relative to the arm, the second surface is tapered thirty tosixty degrees relative to the arm, and the third surface is taperedseventy to eighty-five degrees relative to the arm.
 25. A method ofinstalling a retractable horizontal lifeline assembly to a firstanchorage structure and to a second anchorage structure, the retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly including a lifeline having a first end, asecond end, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the first endand the second end, the second end including a second connector, a drumhaving a base and being rotatable, the first end of the lifeline beingoperatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of thelifeline being windable about and paid out from the base, a housingincluding a first connector and being configured and arranged to housethe drum and the lifeline wound about the base of the drum, and a crankreleasably connectable to the drum, comprising: a) connecting the firstconnector of the housing to the first anchorage structure; b) paying outat least a portion of the lifeline from the drum and the housing; c)connecting the second connector of the second end of the lifeline to thesecond anchorage structure; d) connecting the crank to the drum; and e)applying a torque to the crank thus rotating the drum, wherein thelifeline reaches a predetermined level of tension and the crank providesindication that the predetermined level of tension has been reached. 26.The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 12, wherein asecond mating housing in which the drum and the lifeline wound about thedrum are housed, wherein the crank is releasably connectable to thesecond mating connector and wherein turning the second mating connectorwith the crank turns the drum to wind the lifeline about the drum.
 27. Aretractable horizontal lifeline assembly operatively connected to afirst anchorage structure and to a second anchorage structure,comprising: a) a lifeline having a first end, a second end, and anintermediate portion interconnecting the first end and the second end,the second end including a second connector; b) a drum having a base andbeing rotatable, the first end of the lifeline being operativelyconnected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline beingwindable about and paid put from the base; c) a tension assembly; d) ahousing including a first connector and being configured and arranged tohouse the drum, the lifeline wound about the base of the drum, and thetension assembly, the drum being rotatably mounted within the housing,the tension assembly being mounted within the housing; and e) whereinthe first connector is operatively connected to the first anchoragestructure, the second end of the lifeline is pulled outward fromproximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of theintermediate portion from the drum, the second connector is operativelyconnected to the second anchorage structure, and the tension assembly isused to tension the lifeline.
 28. The retractable horizontal lifelineassembly of claim 27, wherein the tension assembly includes a tensionindicator providing indication of the lifeline's tension and thelifeline moves the tension indicator with respect to the housing as thelifeline is being tensioned.
 29. The retractable horizontal lifelineassembly of claim 27, wherein the lifeline is selected from the groupconsisting of wire cable, webbing, and synthetic rope.
 30. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27, wherein the baseincludes grooves assisting in evenly winding the lifeline initiallyaround the base.
 31. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly ofclaim 27, wherein the base includes a connector operatively connected toa portion of the intermediate portion of the lifeline a distance fromthe first end to create a reserve portion of lifeline between theconnector and the first end, wherein the lifeline may be paid out fromthe base up to the connector and should a fall occur, the reserveportion is released from the connector.
 32. The retractable horizontallifeline assembly of claim 27, wherein the tension assembly includes atension indicator comprising: a) a roller; b) a third connector mountedwithin the housing; c) a biasing member interconnecting the roller andthe third connector, the biasing member placing a force upon the rollerpulling the roller in a first direction toward the third connector; andd) the lifeline being routed between the roller and the third connector,wherein as the lifeline is tensioned, the lifeline pulls the roller in asecond direction away from the third connector, the roller providingindication of the lifeline's tension.
 33. The retractable horizontallifeline assembly of claim 32, wherein the biasing member extendsvertically within the housing and perpendicularly with respect to thelifeline as the lifeline is paid out of the housing.
 34. The retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly of claim 32, wherein the housing includes awindow through which the roller can be viewed thereby providingindication of the lifeline's tension.
 35. The retractable horizontallifeline assembly of claim 32, wherein the roller includes a third endand a fourth end and the biasing member includes a first biasing memberand a second biasing member, the first biasing member interconnectingthe third end and the third connector, the second biasing memberinterconnecting the fourth end and the third connector.
 36. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 35, wherein thehousing includes a window through which the third end of the rollerextends thereby providing indication of the lifeline's tension.
 37. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27, further comprisinga brake assembly operatively connected to the drum, the brake assemblyabsorbing energy and limiting a load on the anchorage structures shoulda fall occur.
 38. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim37, wherein the brake assembly is housed within the housing.
 39. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27, wherein thetension assembly includes a brake assembly including a main plate havingfirst teeth and includes a locking assembly comprising: a) a pinion gearhaving second teeth in cooperation with the first teeth whereby when themain plate rotates the first teeth engage the second teeth to cause thepinion gear to rotate; and b) a pawl pivotally mounted with respect tothe housing proximate the pinion gear and having an engaging positionand a releasing position, the engaging position engaging the secondteeth preventing the pinion gear from rotating in a first direction, thereleasing position releasing the second teeth allowing the pinion gearto rotate in the first direction, wherein when the pinion gear isengaged by the pawl, the main plate is also prevented from rotating in asecond direction.
 40. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly ofclaim 39, further comprising: a) a spring operatively connected to thepawl, the spring placing a force upon the pawl to bias the pawl in theengaging position; and b) a release mechanism operatively connected tothe pawl, the release mechanism overcoming the force of the spring toplace the pawl in the releasing position.
 41. The retractable horizontallifeline assembly of claim 39, further comprising a crank releasablyoperatively connectable to the pinion gear to rotate the pinion gear totension the lifeline with reduced effort and releasably operativelyconnectable to the drum to rotate the drum to rewind the lifeline aboutthe base of the drum.
 42. The retractable horizontal lifeline assemblyof claim 39, wherein the pinion gear is rotatable to tension thelifeline with reduced effort.
 43. The retractable horizontal lifelineassembly of claim 42, further comprising a crank releasably operativelyconnectable to the pinion gear to tension the lifeline.
 44. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27, wherein the drumis rotatable to rewind the lifeline about the base of the drum.
 45. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 44, further comprisinga crank releasably operatively connectable to the drum to rewind thelifeline.
 46. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27,further comprising a motor spring operatively connected to the drum andplacing a force upon the drum, the motor spring automatically windingthe lifeline about the drum when tension is released from the lifeline.47. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27, whereinthe housing includes a handle configured and arranged to assist incarrying the retractable. horizontal lifeline assembly.
 48. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27, wherein the firstconnector includes a handle configured and arranged to assist incarrying the retractable horizontal lifeline assembly.
 49. Theretractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27, wherein the firstconnector is configured and arranged to receive a connector selectedfrom the group consisting of a carabiner, a snap hook, and a shackle.50. The retractable horizontal lifeline assembly of claim 27, whereinthe first connector is configured and arranged to releasably operativelyconnect to an anchorage structure selected from the group consisting ofa bracket, a stanchion, an I-beam, and a post.
 51. The retractablehorizontal lifeline assembly of claim 36, wherein the housing includes abridge extending through the window, the third end of the rollerbreaking the bridge when a fall occurs to provide indication that a fallhas occurred.
 52. A tension indicator assembly, comprising: a) ahousing; b) a roller; c) a connector mounted within the housing; d) abiasing member interconnecting the roller and the connector within thehousing, the biasing member placing a force upon the roller pulling theroller in a first direction toward the connector; and e) a lifelinebeing routed between the roller and the connector, wherein when at leasta portion of the lifeline is paid out of the housing and operativelyconnected between two anchorage structures and lifeline is tensioned,the lifeline pulls the roller in a second direction away from theconnector, the roller providing indication of the lifeline's tension.53. The tension indicator assembly of claim 52, further comprising ahousing in which the roller, the connector, and the biasing member arehoused, the housing including a window through which the roller can beviewed thereby providing indication of the lifeline's tension.
 54. Thetension indicator assembly of claim 53, wherein the housing includes atleast one indication mark proximate the window indicating when thelifeline is properly tensioned.
 55. The tension indicator assembly ofclaim 53, wherein the housing includes at least one indication markproximate the window indicating when the lifeline has been subjected toa force sufficient to take the lifeline out of service.
 56. The tensionindicator assembly of claim 52, wherein the roller includes a third endand a fourth end and the biasing member includes a first biasing memberand a second biasing member, the first biasing member interconnectingthe third end and the third connector, the second biasing memberinterconnecting the fourth end and the third connector.